Exploring Ikigai and Living Well with Dementia Among Japanese Canadians: A Narrative and Arts-Based Research Study
2024

Exploring Ikigai and Living Well with Dementia Among Japanese Canadians

Sample size: 7 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Ito Hiro, Cox Susan, Phinney Alison, Ho Anita

Primary Institution: University of British Columbia

Hypothesis

How do Japanese Canadians live well with dementia through the lens of ikigai?

Conclusion

The study found that Japanese Canadians maintain their ikigai to live well with dementia through balance, continuity, and gratitude.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study highlights the underrepresentation of Japanese Canadians in dementia research.
  • Participants expressed their experiences through narrative interviews and art-making.
  • Cultural values play a significant role in how individuals live well with dementia.

Takeaway

This study looked at how Japanese Canadians with dementia find joy and purpose in their lives, focusing on their cultural values.

Methodology

The study involved narrative interviews and a group art-making workshop with individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small, non-representative sample.

Limitations

The sample size was small and limited to a specific ethnocultural group.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 4 people living with dementia and 3 care partners from the Japanese Canadian community.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2129

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